@Ven: Well, not really.
For one thing, it really could be very easily argued that United lost out by selling Ronaldo. If they had kept him (which would have been hard, considering that Ronaldo literally forced them to sell, of course, which Bale has not been doing), it's fairly reasonable to assume that another CL title, maybe two, would have been taken home to Old Trafford.
What did they get for that 80m? Not much, really, except some cash injection into the club;s infrastructure.
As for Henry, well, Arsenal never suffered a situation such as the one Tottenham are facing now, so it's a bit hard to say that he "isn't really your Henry".
Imagine if Real Madrid had come in with a bid for Henry in 2001. Remember, Henry had been the club's top goalscorer that year, but the club had not won anything. It was Henry's 'breakthrough' year. What if Madrid had offered, I dunno 40m for him, or 50m, or something (comparable with today's price of 90m).
And what if Arsenal had said yes? They'd have had today's equivalent of the Bale transfer, and all that spending cash.
But they would not have had Henry.
Is there a single Gooner on this site (or even alive) who would trade in the success, the achievements and the legends that Arsenal created, thanks to Thierry Henry, for 50m of spending oney back in 2001?
I highly doubt it.
All I can is is, again: not everything is about money. I would feel sorry for anyone who disagrees.
1- Madrid put Benzema, Di Maria & Ozil up for sale
Real Madrid are offering Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil for transfer as they look to raise funds to complete deals for Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale. Arsenal are interested in the trio. Source: Daily Mirror
2- Manchester United to make £20m Fellaini bid
Manchester United will return to Everton with a £20 million bid solely for Marouane Fellaini after failing with a £28m combined offer for the Belgian and Leighton Baines, his team-mate. Source: Daily Telegraph
3- Arsenal battle Tottenham for Nevelev
Arsenal are going head-to-head with north London rivals Tottenham for highly-rated Bulgarian winger Todor Nevelev. The 20-year-old Botev Plovdiv attacker is available for £3 million. Source: Daily Mail
4- Cardiff launch ambitious Cuenca bid
Cardiff City are making a loan move for Barcelona starlet Isaac Cuenca. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Ajax and is expected to be farmed out again by Tata Martino but the Bluebirds face competition from interested Spanish parties. Source: Daily Mirror
5- Newcastle eye McCarthy as Cabaye replacement
Newcastle have entered the race for highly-rated Wigan midfielder James McCarthy as Yohan Cabaye edges closer to an exit from St James' Park. The Latics are commanding a £15 million fee for the 22-year-old. Source: Daily Mail
6- Tottenham want Mata to replace Bale
Tottenham are set to launch a bid for Chelsea's Juan Mata as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Gareth Bale. Spurs have enquired about the Spaniard's availability following the arrival of Willian. Source: Daily Mail
7- Eto'o's agent in London for Chelsea talks
Samuel Eto'o's agent has flown to London for Chelsea talks while Inter are also in the hunt and the Anzhi striker is in Milan. Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
8- Juventus looking at Nainggolan
Juventus are said to be looking at signing Radja Nainggolan for next season. Luca Marrone and Stefano Beltrame could be used as part of the deal for the Belgian, with both players possibly heading to Cagliari this summer. Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
9- M'Bia to replace Kondogbia at Sevilla
QPR's Stephane M’Bia is on Sevilla’s radar as a replacement in case of Geoffrey Kondogbia's. The lattert is expected to join Monaco in the coming days. Source: le10sport.com
10- Sakho close to Milan
AC Milan’s directors made good progress at the weekend in their bid to sign Mamadou Sakho from PSG. The French international is set for a one year loan with the Rossoneri. Source: L'Equipe
11- Tottenham close in on €35m Lamela
Tottenham are set to complete a €35 million move for Roma star Erik Lamela, who was left out of his side's trip to Livorno on Sunday, after Chelsea hijacked their deal for Anzhi playmaker Willian. Source: The Independent
12- Liverpool want Moses on loan from Chelsea
Liverpool are keen to sign Chelsea winger Victor Moses on loan. The Blues are unwilling to sell the former Wigan man but will allow him out on loan although the Reds are reluctant to match ihs £55,000 a week wages. Source: Daily Mail
13- Bendtner in talks with Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have had talks with Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner over a potential move. The Eagles are ready to bid for the Gunners striker who could link up with Marouane Chamakh at Selhurst Park. Source: Daily Mirror
14- Bale completes €91m Madrid move
Gareth Bale's move from Tottenham to Real Madrid has been completed at long last, with los Blancos set to pay an initial €91 million, which could rise to €99m. He will be unveiled on Monday. Source: Sky
15- Arsenal contact Casillas
Arsene Wenger is desperate to make a great signing before the transfer window comes to its end and the Gunners have already asked about Casillas' situation. Source: Marca